Booze is a tricky thing. We’re living in a kind of Liquor Renaissance, but on Maui we have to tiptoe around the draconian rules of our county Department of Liquor Control.

The mixology revival may merely be a backlash against the pre-bottled convenience mixes of the 1970s and ‘80s, or perhaps it ties sustainable farm-to-table practices to bar chefs. Either way, we can now enjoy more locally grown fresh fruit and locally distilled liquors in our glasses than ever before. Of course, that also means it’s not unusual to see $15 price tags in bar menus as mixologists turn farm-to-glass creations into award-winning masterpieces.

The advent of local booze has also seen the construction of several local distilleries on the island: rum, wine, sparkling wine, beer and vodka, so far. More are coming, but many of our local watering holes already carry these local brands.

Through it all, our bartenders have steered this rejuvenation, so it’s only natural to let them be your guides in making selections. The industry says there is a renewed interest in everything that isn’t vodka, with people are ordering more whiskey, tequila, rum and gin. Logically, the back bar selections are following suit.

For our annual Bar Issue, we polled a selection of local bartenders for their cocktail advice, which they dish on the following pages. We’ve also toiled to bring you Maui’s Best Happy Hour Guide, but please take care with the information.

Do not drink and drive, always designate a sober driver if you go out and call establishments ahead of time to verify times and prices, as they’re subject to change at any time.

BOTERO BAR & LOUNGE HAPPY HOUR – Daily. Half off domestic beers, wine by the glass, and well drinks on the rocks. 5-6pm; Thu, Oct 17: quench your thirst for something new with their weekly tastings. This month features Tyku. Sample three mixed drinks with pupus while listening to live entertainment. If you’re still hungry, get 20 percent off food from the bistro during the tasting. $20. 6-9pm Botero Bar & Lounge, (3850 Wailea Alanui Dr.); 808-875-1234; grandwailea.com/resort-dining

RITA’S HAPPY HOURS – Daily. Satisfy your thirst at Rita’s during their early Happy Hour with discounted drink specials. Don’t miss out on the bar menu, available at half off during Happy Hour. From 9-10:30pm you can enjoy the same specials during their late night happy hour. 3-6pm & 9-10:30pm Rita’s, (1945 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-214-5788; ritasmaui.com